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DOE OSTI2023

In Silico Versus In Situ: The Challenging Landscape of Nuclear Criticality Safety Training

Nuclear criticality safety grew out of the ranks of experimentalists studying the physics of chain-reacting systems at critical experiment facilities. Consequently, critical experiment facilities provide the best forum for conducting training in nuclear criticality safety. As the nuclear renaissance gains traction, there is an increased demand to train personnel in nuclear criticality safety (NCS). Strides have been made in both on-line and virtual reality based NCS training. While these are perhaps a necessary component of NCS training, hands-on training at critical experiments facilities remains the most effective means of developing competency for fissionable material handlers, managers of fissionable material operations, criticality safety analysts, and experimentalists. This paper explores the challenges of developing and maintaining workforce competency in nuclear criticality safety to support safe and efficient fissionable material operations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Design of Nuclear Criticality Safety Framework for Hands-on Construction of Fast Systems Over Ranges of Multiplication

Since 1945, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has performed critical experiments, primarily at the Los Alamos Critical Experiments Facility (LACEF) at Technical Area 18 (TA-18). Since 2011, these experiments have been conducted by the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC), operated by LANL, at the Device Assembly Facility (DAF) in the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). These experiments utilize various types of Special Nuclear Material (SNM). Some of these experiments utilize what is referred to as the Rocky Flat Shells, which are called such as they came from the Rocky Flats Plant. These concentric hemi-shells are made of Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU), which is 93 w/o 235U. Fig. 1. Subset of the Rocky Flat Shells LANL is designing a new subcritical hands-on experiment with the goal of achieving a neutron multiplication in the range of 50 to 200, which correlates to Keff values of 0.98 to 0.995. ANSI/ANS-1 is the standard for Conduct of Critical Experiments which governs critical operations at NCERC. Section 3.9 of ANSI/ANS-1 states that when manipulating a critical assembly by hand, the predicted k eff of a known configuration should not exceed 0.95 (a neutron multiplication of 20). This presents a challenge, as this system would have a higher multiplication than 20 and the assembly would have to remain subcritical in normal and credible accident scenarios. To ensure the safety of such an assembly, the different normal and abnormal conditions that could alter the criticality 1 MCNP® and Monte Carlo N-Particle® are registered trademarks owned by Triad National Security, LLC, manager and operator of Los Alamos National Laboratory. Any third party use of such registered marks should be properly of the system must be considered and analyzed. If such a condition is deemed to be credible, it will be further investigated using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) transport code. If the results of these simulations show that a k eff larger than one could be possible, modifications to the assembly will be made until such an event is deemed no longer possible.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Introducing Quantum Entanglement and Superposition to Secondary School Students Using Portable, Hands-on Exhibits

Historically, the teaching of quantum mechanics has been reserved for advanced undergraduate physics courses, mostly due to how far removed from classical intuition the subject is. Extensive mathematical background is usually a prerequisite for college-level introductory quantum mechanics courses. However, several ways to introduce quantum mechanics at the secondary school level have been suggested and developed. Unlike most other topics in physics, it is difficult to find intuitive examples of quantum phenomena outside of a specialized laboratory; additionally, straightforward hands-on demonstrations, activities, and experiments are somewhat limited.

Educational aids↗

DOE OSTI2025

BOPTest As a Platform for Building Controls and Grid-Interactive Buildings Workforce Training

Building automation and controls are becoming increasingly complex with the emergence of Grid Integrated Efficient Buildings (GEBs) as well as new highly efficient sequences of operation and data-driven control schemes. However, there remains a significant gap in hands-on training opportunities for building operators and technicians to gain practical experience with advanced control systems in a low-risk environment. This paper presents BOPTEST (Building Optimization Performance Test) as a suitable platform for workforce training in building controls and GEB technologies. BOPTEST provides a suite of standardized building simulation test cases with a REST API, real-time control interfaces through BACnet, semantic models connecting users to building data, and built-in calculation of control metrics and performance indicators. The platform enables trainees to interact with virtual buildings using industry-standard protocols while learning how to implement and innovate control strategies. The training platform is designed to offer a structured and interactive learning experience for building engineers, helping them effectively develop, learn, and retain skills in fault identification, troubleshooting, and correction. The workflow is divided into three main phases: 1) Setup, 2) Exercise, and 3) Review, each comprising specific activities performed by either the instructor or the student. Initial pilot training sessions have yielded positive feedback from instructors and participants and demonstrates that BOPTEST effectively fills an industry need for a low-risk training resource via simulation of real building control systems, allowing trainees to gain practical experience before working in the field. The platform's ability to provide immediate performance feedback while maintaining familiar industry interfaces makes it particularly suitable for workforce development programs. This work provides a replicable model for leveraging building simulation in control education and training.

Paul, Lazlo↗

DOE OSTI2025

BOPTEST as a Platform for Building Controls and Grid-Interactive Buildings Workforce Training

Paul, Lazlo↗

DOE OSTI2024

A frugal CRISPR kit for equitable and accessible education in gene editing and synthetic biology

Equitable and accessible education in life sciences, bioengineering, and synthetic biology is crucial for training the next generation of scientists, fostering transparency in public decision-making, and ensuring biotechnology can benefit a wide-ranging population. As a groundbreaking technology for genome engineering, CRISPR has transformed research and therapeutics. However, hands-on exposure to this technology in educational settings remains limited due to the extensive resources required for CRISPR experiments. Here, we develop CRISPRkit, an affordable kit designed for gene editing and regulation in high school education. CRISPRkit eliminates the need for specialized equipment, prioritizes biosafety, and utilizes cost-effective reagents. By integrating CRISPRi gene regulation, colorful chromoproteins, cell-free transcription-translation systems, smartphone-based quantification, and an in-house automated algorithm (CRISPectra), our kit offers an inexpensive (~$2) and user-friendly approach to performing and analyzing CRISPR experiments, without the need for a traditional laboratory setup. Experiments conducted by high school students in classroom settings highlight the kit’s utility for reliable CRISPRkit experiments. Furthermore, CRISPRkit provides a modular and expandable platform for genome engineering, and we demonstrate its applications for controlling fluorescent proteins and metabolic pathways such as melanin production. We envision CRISPRkit will facilitate biotechnology education for communities of diverse socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2025

NeuroCoreX: Brain-Inspired Computing from Code to Circuit

NeuroCoreX is an open-source codebase that enables the implementation of brain-inspired, energy-efficient neuromorphic computing models on FPGA hardware. Designed to support real-time learning, all-to-all neural connectivity, and flexible network architectures, NeuroCoreX offers a hands-on, accessible platform for exploring biologically inspired models of neural computation. It empowers researchers, students, and developers to implement and experiment with adaptive systems—bringing the power of neuromorphic computing to a broader community through a low-cost, scalable, and reconfigurable framework.

Gautam, Ashish [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORN↗

DOE OSTI2023

Meshing, Language Server Protocol, and other User-Oriented MOOSE Framework Improvements to Enhance Reactor Analysis Capabilities and Workflows

The open-source Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework underpins most of the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) physics applications and coupling methods. Users interact with MOOSE in multiple ways to enable the construction of complex multiphysics models, including but not limited to compilation, input creation and syntax validation, meshing, solving the physics problem via MOOSE-based solvers and coupling, and output inspection. In FY23, numerous enhancements have been made to MOOSE to enhance the user experience. Reactor-oriented meshing capabilities in MOOSE have been expanded, an online tutorial was created and hosted on the MOOSE site, and a hands-on workshop was held for more than 100 users. The Language Server Protocol (LSP) capability has been implemented in MOOSE to better communicate correct syntax to the NEAMS Workbench user interface which is commonly used to validate input and submit jobs by users. Finally, several other user-facing improvements were made including the implementation of improved screen output and logging control, enhancements to the initial condition system, and enhancements of the MultiApp system commonly used for coupling. Collectively, these enhancements were driven by user needs and directly improve user ability to construct complex multiphysics models for nuclear reactors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Overview and Current Progress of the DOE/NNSA Nuclear Criticality Safety Program Training and Education Program

Since 2011, the US Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP) has been providing a two-week nuclear criticality safety (NCS) practitioner course to support the training and qualification of new NCS staff. In 2013, an NCS Manager’s course was developed for process supervisors, managers, regulators, and other professionals with NCS-related responsibilities, and, in 2017, an additional course was proposed for Criticality Safety Officers (CSOs). In addition to hands-on training, other NCSP-funded tasks include training on sensitivity/uncertainty methods, NCS resource pipeline tasks, development of NCS guides, maintenance and development of Nuclear Criticality Safety Education Training (NCSET) modules and designing of a new subcritical assembly for hands-on training purposes. This paper provides an overview of the NCSP training and education program. The status of the NCSP hands-on training program will also be provided.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗

DOE OSTI2025

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe-Energy Deployment (MITED) Project

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (MIT) collaborated with our Project Partner, GRID Alternatives (GRID), to install 132 kilowatts of direct current (kW-DC) of rooftop solar on three Tribal facilities. The three facilities are the Tribe’s Youth Drop-In Center, Canoe Shed, and Water Treatment Facility. The solar PV systems were originally anticipated to offset approximately 45% of the aggregate annual electricity usage of the three buildings. A major aspect of the MIT-ED project was providing hands-on paid training to five Muckleshoot Building Maintenance workers in solar PV installations, operations, and maintenance. The scope of work aligns with the Tribe’s goals of building local capacity and providing real world work experience and potential career opportunities in solar PV to its citizens. The Building Maintenance Department committed five of its current FTE employees to the project. GRID provided guidance for the MIT project team on identifying paid trainees as well as end goals of skill development through training, including a long-term Operations and Maintenance (O&M) plan tailored to the Tribe’s goals of local capacity building and stewardship of natural resources.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2023

A Polymer Degradation and Remanufacturing Experiment in the High School Classroom

Most students enter college without any exposure to polymer science, which leads to the poor understanding and slow implementation of plastic recycling programs in the United States. Here, to address the knowledge gap in chemical recycling, we introduce a 2-part laboratory experiment that was conducted in multiple high schools and public outreach events to demonstrate the depolymerization of PET via aminolysis and the remanufacturing of cleaved PET fragments into a new aramid polymer. Student experiences were evaluated with two postlab assignments.

Hands-on Learning↗

DOE OSTI2026

Quality Control of Silicon Sensor Modules for Particle Detectors

The High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) will produce a higher rate of particle collisions than the current Large Hadron Collider (LHC), requiring important upgrades to the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) to handle an increased amount of data. An important upgrade is the Phase-2 Outer Tracker Upgrade, which consists of 13,000 silicon sensor modules made of two parallel silicon sensors and readout electronics. These modules undergo careful quality control checks both during and after module assembly to ensure precise and reliable detector performance. This project focuses on precision testing for quality control of silicon sensor modules at Fermilab. Hands-on work includes visual inspection, current-voltage testing, module testing, and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure of modules showing abnormal current-voltage behavior. The ultraviolet exposure process improves the abnormal sensor readout data by placing the selected sensor side of the module directly under the UV light inside a controlled box. In addition to laboratory testing and ultraviolet experiments, I developed a Python-based data tool that connects to a module database and allows selected testing conditions and module information to be retrieved and displayed efficiently. These different testing procedures, experimental processes, and computational tools support the broader goal of identifying module issues and improving modules that will be used in the CMS Outer Tracker Phase-2 Upgrade.

Siddiqui, Hooriya [DuPage Coll.] (ORCID:0009000151↗

DOE OSTI2026

Quality Control of Silicon Sensor Modules for Particle Detectors

The High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) will produce a higher rate of particle collisions than the current Large Hadron Collider (LHC), requiring significant upgrades to the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) to handle the increased amount of data. An important upgrade is the Phase-2 Outer Tracker Upgrade, which consists of 13,000 silicon sensor modules made of two parallel silicon sensors and readout electronics. These modules undergo careful quality control checks both during and after module assembly to ensure precise and reliable detector performance. This project focuses on precision testing for quality control of silicon sensor modules at Fermilab. Hands-on work includes visual inspection, current-voltage testing, module testing, and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure of modules showing abnormal current-voltage behavior. The ultraviolet exposure process improves the abnormal sensor readout data by placing the selected sensor side of the module directly under the UV light inside a controlled box. In addition to laboratory testing and ultraviolet experiments, I developed a Python-based data tool that connects to a module database and allows selected testing conditions and module information to be retrieved and displayed efficiently. These different testing procedures, experimental processes, and computational tools support the broader goal of identifying module issues and improving modules that will be used in the CMS Outer Tracker Phase-2 Upgrade.

Siddiqui, Hooriya [DuPage Coll.; Fermilab] (ORCID:↗

DOE OSTI2024

Experiments and Project-Based Enhancements for STEM Learning

Motivating K-12 students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is an effort that requires consistent engagement. Throughout the K-12 student timeline, STEM educators need to continuously pivot their teaching and update their educational materials to motivate the next generation of students. Once students begin their undergraduate education, university professors need to encourage them to consider pursuing graduate studies to ensure that a qualified future workforce can be developed for research and teaching. In this paper, we present our work on developing STEM materials for K-12 student engagement. Our K-12 materials target the grid integration of hydrogen assets that are suitable to engage students in the classroom. Our undergraduate materials target hands-on projects and collaboration with industry to connect classroom learning with real-world applications and needs in renewable energy. Our work leverages available open-source models and tools to create projects for undergraduate students and motivate their interest in pursuing research topics in graduate-level education.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2026

Oak Ridge Computing Academy: An HPC cluster deployment and management pilot

The High Performance Computing Technologies (HPCT) course is a hands-on High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster deployment and management training program offered as part of the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) and the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) Master in High Performance Computing (MHPC) specialization. Here, this training program introduces students to key concepts in cluster configuration. which include networking, software stack provisioning, job scheduling, and monitoring. The publicly available course materials feature several examples and underlying methods that are broadly applicable to cluster deployment and management. This paper discusses the design of a new workforce development program at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory that is based on HPCT, the Oak Ridge Computing Academy (ORCA). The ORCA pilot program was hosted by the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF) in Summer 2025. As a part of this discussion, HPCT and ORCA course contents and infrastructure are outlined, ORCA participant experiences are detailed, and potential opportunities for improvement are discussed.

Education↗

DOE OSTI2024

Brine Availability Test in Salt (BATS) FY24 Update

This report summarizes fiscal year 2024 (FY24) activities centered around a series of field tests in bedded salt at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) funded by the Office of Spent Fuel and Waste Science and Technology in the Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition (SFWD) program of the US Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE). High-level Purpose of Experiments: The Brine Availability Test in Salt (BATS) field tests are revealing both brine occurrence (i.e., where, and how much) and brine migration (i.e., how easily it moves) in the excavation damaged zone (EDZ). This understanding is foundational to develop a safety case for a future heat-generating waste repository in salt, and to starting up a generic repository program in salt to buy down risk. BATS seeks to predict how much brine can flow into both ambient and heated excavations (e.g., boreholes or rooms) in salt. This work is educating and empowering new repository scientists on two fronts: “design and execution of field tests” and “prediction and modeling of coupled processes.” DOE-NE capabilities in salt have grown and been tested through international modeling and benchmarking exercises (e.g., DECOVALEX, RANGERS, KOMPASS, and MEASURES; see Mills et al., 2024). The hands-on expertise we are building is a necessary step towards large-scale disposal demonstrations and eventual implementation.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2025

Immersive Digital Twin Laboratory for Engineering Education (CRADA Final Report)

This project aimed to create an immersive digital twin laboratory that incorporates advanced tracking and visualization capabilities. In collaboration with Fort Lewis College, NREL designed a state-of-the-art physical visualization laboratory, developed a software platform to enable interaction with tracked physical objects in the laboratory, and provided proof-of-concept curricula that included manipulating these tracked objects. The project was initiated to address the growing need for innovative educational tools in engineering education. As renewable energy systems, particularly solar installations, become more complex, there is a pressing need to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Traditional methods of teaching solar engineering concepts often fall short of providing students with a comprehensive, hands-on understanding. This immersive digital twin laboratory was conceived to fill that gap by creating a safe, non-energized setting where students can interact with augmented solar installation objects, gaining valuable insights into system performance, design, and maintenance. The project utilized extended reality (XR) technologies, including head-mounted displays (HMDs) and a whole-room optical motion tracking system, to connect physical objects with their digital twins in real time. The laboratory was equipped with MagicLeap 2 HMDs, supported by a Vicon Vero 2.2 Optical Tracking System, which provided precise 6-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) tracking. We developed a software platform to manage the interaction between the tracked physical objects and their virtual counterparts, enabling real-time data synchronization, object recognition, and virtual overlays. We designed the system to be flexible and extendable, allowing for future integration of additional objects and curriculum. This research advances the field of engineering education by demonstrating the potential of immersive digital twin environments. The laboratory provides a dynamic learning space where students can experiment, collaborate, and learn without the risks associated with live experimentation. The ability to simulate and manipulate solar installation objects under various conditions has broad implications for workforce development, particularly in renewable energy. The project also highlights the economic feasibility of using XR technologies in educational settings, offering a cost-effective solution for institutions looking to enhance their curriculum. By fostering a deeper understanding of solar energy systems, this work contributes to the broader goal of supporting the global energy transition and preparing the next generation of engineers and technicians.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2025

Developing and Demonstrating a Lab Method for Quantifying Hair Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke with a Forensic Perspective

Forensic science and chemistry curricula often lack hands-on experimental designs that effectively simulate the impact of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) or other common elements found at crime scenes, such as marijuana, on trace forensic evidence. Hair, a critical form of trace evidence, offers unique advantages for assessing long-term exposure to environmental pollutants, including ETS. This study presents a novel, noninvasive forensic laboratory module designed to evaluate ETS exposure on various human hair types (untreated, dyed, and bleached). The experimental procedure involved controlled cigarette smoke exposure, followed by analysis using UV−visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. Thirteen students participated in the three-week lab module (three sessions per week). Pre- and postlab assessments were conducted to evaluate learning outcomes. The prelab assessment focused on baseline knowledge of forensic hair analysis, as well as student expectations and confidence. The postlab assessment evaluated knowledge gained, technical insights, application of techniques, self-reflection, conceptual understanding, and practical skill development. This design helped students comprehend the effects of chemical treatments that significantly influence hair’s capacity to adsorb ETS residues by altering its physical and chemical properties. Integration of this experiment into the forensic chemistry curriculum led to measurable gains in student understanding, technical competency, and appreciation for realworld forensic applications. This method offers a valuable teaching and investigative tool for assessing individual ETS exposure in forensic contexts.

FTIR↗